Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Cheli Is Back Baby!

Chris Chelios has signed an NHL deal with the Atlanta Thrashers and I could not be more excited right now. Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Chelios, who is 48 years old right now, has played in 44 games this season with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, the Thrashers AHL affiliate. In 44 games, Chelios has recorded five goals and sixteen assists for 21 points and ranked second in the league in plus minus with a plus 35.

Chelios played two seasons at the University of Wisconsin before being selected to represent the United States at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo. While in Madison, Chelios had two of the best seasons ever put together by a freshman and sophomore by putting up 49 and 48 points respectively.

Chelios was drafted in the second round, number 40 overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft.

From the article: "In his 25-year NHL career, Chelios ranks fourth in games played, eighth in all-time assists by a defenseman, and ranks 10th among defensemen in points. Among American-born players, he ranks first in games played, second in plus/minus (plus-352) , and third in points by a defenseman."